Ongar Juniors FC: Season 2023-2024

Welcome & Club Overview

The 2023-2024 season has wrapped up for Ongar Juniors FC, and what a year it’s been! With the club’s sense of community and family spirit stronger than ever, players, coaches, parents, and supporters have all contributed to another fantastic season. Over £2,000 was raised for the club, and Easyfundraising alone brought in over £730, supporting new facilities and equipment.

Chairman’s Message

Chairman Nick Housden highlighted the pride felt by everyone at the club. Thanks went out to players for wearing the badge with pride, to coaches and assistants for their dedication, to parents and supporters for braving all weathers, and to the committee for working tirelessly behind the scenes. The addition of a new 3G facility at Fyfield Sports Academy promises even more exciting times ahead for grassroots football at Ongar.

Fundraising & Community

• Over £2,000 raised this season

• £730+ raised via Easyfundraising

• New 3G facility at FSA supporting future growth

• Thanks to all sponsors and the fundraising team

Team Highlights

Under 7’s Blue

• Managers: Vinny & Paul

• Players: Cruz G, Bear A, Hudson F, Jake K, Johnny P, Valentino T, Harley W, Evan R

• Summary: Great progress in the top league, unbeaten in 2024 after a tough start, ending another successful year

Under 7’s White

• Manager: Mitch; Coach: Mike

• Players: Jack C, Teddy R, Blake B, Harry H, Mikey M, Lucas H, Chase A

• Summary: First season, most players from Soccer School, strong improvement and team spirit

Under 7’s Green

• Coach: Joe Hoye

• Players: Beau H, Alfie S, Winston A, Blake R, Brody N, Preston K, Freddie S

• Summary: Half season, playing up a year, focused on learning and fun, with strong commitment from all

Under 7’s Red

• Manager: Ben Knight

• Players: Eddie K, Jenson PW, Rocco E, Danny-Junior L, Zachary T, Harrison C, Jackson M

• Summary: Joined league mid-season, quickly built team bond and skills

Under 8’s Blue

• Coach: James Dent

• Players: Oscar P, Joey F, Harry C, Jack D, Albie S, Vinny H, James C, Leo SK, Kit F

• Summary: New team, most players new to competitive football, promoted three times in a season with only one loss in 2024

Under 8’s White

• Manager/Coach: Chris Jones; Assistant Coach: Tomek Stabrawa

• Players: Albie J, Charlie S, Harrison M, Eliot C, Frankie W, George H, Charlie D, George W

• Summary: Tournament wins at Maldon Saints, Intersports, Heybridge Swifts; finished in Division 1; reached national semi-finals at Butlins

Under 9’s Blue

• Coaches: Alex Kousoulou & Sam Harper

• Players: Theodore Harper, Leo Elson, Maximus Arthey, Sonny Barker, Riley Bullock, George Dennis, Albert Ion, Theo Kousoulou, Teddy Kania

• Summary: First year of 7-a-side for most players, strong finish to season, losing just one of last nine league games

Under 9’s White

• Coaches: Paul Goodger & Stewart Weston

• Players: Charlie L, Mason K, Hayden W, Ray S, Jack B, George W, Jude A, Beaux G, Mason S

• Summary: Won divisional cup, successful league campaign, moving to Echo League next season

Under 9’s Green

• Manager/Coach: Chris Jones; Assistant Coach: Tomek Stabrawa

• Players: Freddie A, Charlie B, Charlie C, Jacob H, George N, Isaac N, Ryan Q, Albie J, Charlie S

• Summary: Undefeated in the league (one draw, rest wins), strong teamwork and development

Under 10’s Blue

• Coaches: Alex & Lee

• Players: Noah M, Ralph B, Alex P, Charlie H, Henry L, Jayden P, Maxwell S, Jasper P, Leo C, Diggy G, Ollie M

• Summary: Team ethos shifted to focus on teamwork, only three league losses, reached league cup semi-final

Under 10’s White

• Managers: Nick Allen & Elliot Glickman

• Players: Archie A, Jack G, Jonny O, Leo H, Paul M, Thomas F, Otto PB, Harley K, Timothy C

• Summary: Strong improvements in skills and tactics, resilience through tough games, great support from families

Under 10’s Green

• Coach: Glenn Crook

• Players: Rory C, Arthur B, Freddie C, Ralph L, Rory W, Charlie C, Jack B, Frankie S, Bobby D, Elsie MB, Ernie W

• Summary: Challenging season, but showed resilience and growth; excited for move to 9-a-side next year

Under 10’s Girls

• Coaches: Chris Burgess & Dan Hayden

• Players: Ruby A, Arabelle B, Harper G, Jessica H, Tilly H, Isabel J, Juliet S, Olivia W

• Summary: Played against boys, scored big, promoted up divisions, linked with pro clubs, outstanding team spirit

Under 11’s Whites

• Manager: Jack Donaghy; Coach: Chris Jones

• Players: Franklyn D, Jude H, Ethan M, Alfie I, Teddy H, Archie B, Max P, Gresham W, Riley W, Louis J, Tyler A, Jacob P

• Summary: Stepped up to 9-a-side, adapted and thrived, reached cup semi-final

Under 12’s Blue

• Manager: Dan Gambardella; Coach: Dave Cook

• Players: Ethan P, Ben P, Frankie B, Freddie B, Gabrielius Z, Luca G, Fred B, Sophia G, Freddie G, Archie I, Seb M, Jaxon B

• Summary: Finished 3rd in Premier Division, six-game winning streak, ready for 11-a-side next year

Under 12’s Girls

• Coaches: Darren Haley & Jamie Sullivan

• Players: Amelia H, Frankie H, Amelia B, Grace K, Rosina R, Bailey S, Lyla M, Evie K, Isla K, Nancy W, Chloe D, Poppy M, Amelia W

• Summary: Won mini league, cup runners-up, welcomed new players, built lifelong friendships

Under 12’s White

• Coaches: Calum & Victor

• Players: Harrison M, Denholm P, Archie G, Teddy L, Dylan C, William H, Sidney C, George A, Hector R, Max C, Olly F, Harley N, Max B

• Summary: Faced challenges, showed passion and determination, coaches proud of their growth

Under 13’s Girls

• Coaches: Greg Goodwin, Steve Reynolds, Kennedy Sutton-Mckeon

• Players: Scarlet H, Meg F, Holly B, Evierose R, Arabella P, Isla-Rose SM, Miley Rai P, Emily H, Gabby Goodwin (c), Evie Underhill, Elsie-Love S, Gracie VP, Elise H, Maisy W

• Summary: Promoted to Essex Girls League A division, 16 wins out of 18, 119 goals scored, outstanding all-round achievement

Under 14’s Boys

• Managers: Tommy, Stuart, Mark

• Players: Jack S, Giles S, Freddie E, Morgan C, Finlay G, Clarke B, Lenny P, Riley A, Jonjo HF, Cian HF, Luke TP, Thomas F, Ralphie J

• Summary: Tough start, finished strong with great team spirit, enjoyed the season’s ups and downs

Soccer School

• Coach: Nick Housden (with Max, Isla, Jack, and Poppy)

• Focused on fun football for 4–6 year olds, developing confidence and skills

• Summary: Entered first ever U6/7 tournament, leading to two new U7 teams

Final Thoughts

Ongar Juniors FC continues to thrive on teamwork, community, and development. Huge thanks to every player, coach, parent, and supporter for making 2023-2024 a memorable season. Here’s to more progress, fun, and football in 2024-25!

For more info or to join, contact the club directly. Who would you like to spotlight next season, players, coaches, or volunteers? Let’s keep the community spirit strong!